Pete Golding’s Ole Miss shocks Georgia with field goal on the final 6 seconds, advances to CFP semifinals tonight

Pete Golding’s Ole Miss delivered a stunning 39-34 upset victory over Georgia last night in the Sugar Bowl. The Rebels will advance to face Miami in the College Football Playoff semifinals on January 8.

Golding’s Instant Classic in New Orleans

The No. 6 Ole Miss Rebels staged a dramatic fourth-quarter comeback last night at the Caesars Superdome in New Orleans. Pete Golding, making his head-coaching debut in the College Football Playoff, orchestrated one of the most thrilling finishes in Sugar Bowl history.

With the game tied at 34-34, Trinidad Chambliss led the Rebels into field goal range in the final minute. Lucas Carneiro then delivered the decisive blow—a perfectly executed 47-yard field goal with 6 seconds left on the clock, sending Ole Miss to the playoffs semifinals and ending Georgia’s season.

Carneiro’s Clutch Kicking Display Sets Records

Kicker Lucas Carneiro was the difference-maker for Ole Miss, connecting on three field goals throughout the evening. He made two early field goals in the first quarter to give Ole Miss a 6-0 lead and later delivered the game-winning boot.

Remarkably, Carneiro not only won the game but also etched his name into Sugar Bowl history. His 56-yard field goal became the longest kick in Sugar Bowl history, a record he achieved earlier in the contest. The kicker’s performance under pressure showcased why Ole Miss entrusted him with winning the playoff game.

Chambliss Dominates Georgia Defense with 362 Passing Yards

Quarterback Trinidad Chambliss put on a masterclass performance, throwing for 362 yards and 2 touchdowns in the CFP quarterfinal matchup. He continuously exploited Georgia’s defense and maneuvered Ole Miss into scoring position when it mattered most—down the stretch in the final minute.

Chambliss’s late-game composure proved instrumental in setting up Carneiro‘s game-winning field goal attempt. His ability to convert crucial plays under pressure demonstrated why the Rebels trusted him in the most important moments of the 2025 season.

“With a field goal and a safety in the final minute of the fourth quarter, the Ole Miss Rebels defeated the Georgia Bulldogs.”

— ESPN, Coverage of CFP Sugar Bowl

What’s Next for Ole Miss and the CFP Semifinals Tonight?

Ole Miss will now face a No. 10 Miami Hurricanes squad (12-2) in the Fiesta Bowl semifinal on Thursday, January 8 at 7:30 p.m. ET. The winner advances directly to the College Football Playoff National Championship game.

Pete Golding, who took over as head coach after Lane Kiffin departed for LSU on November 30, has already proven doubters wrong. His defensive acumen and coaching prowess guided Ole Miss to an upset victory over a top-3 Georgia squad in his first playoff game as a head coach.

Sources

• ESPN – Ole Miss edges Georgia in Sugar Bowl, advances to CFP semis
• USA Today – Ole Miss knocks off Georgia in CFP Sugar Bowl quarterfinal 39-34
• New York Times Athletic – Ole Miss shocks Georgia in Sugar Bowl

Michael Brown

Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.